A total of seventeen convictions totaling just under 219 years in prison, and an overall easing of the burden thanks to the recognition of mitigating circumstances. Thus concluded yesterday morning before the Naples Court of Appeal, the second-degree trial against the Sorianiello clan, a historic gang in the Traiano district, at the center of the massive Carabinieri raid that dismantled the drug dealing network operating in the infamous "99" neighborhood in September 2024.
At first instance, the prosecution's case had held up, with sentences totaling nearly three centuries in prison. On appeal, however, the judges significantly reduced the sentences, largely granting the defense's requests and applying not only mitigating circumstances but, for several defendants, also the requirement that they continue with their previous sentences.
The investigation, coordinated by the DDA, had documented a proven system for distributing cocaine, hashish, and crack, managed through shifts, with lookouts and pushers stationed in the popular area of "99," transformed into a continuous drug dealing hub.
According to investigators, the clan's reorganization was led by Alfredo Sorianiello, known as 'o biondo, and his son Simone: their criminal "rebirth" was halted by the raid in autumn 2024, which culminated in 29 precautionary measures for mafia association, extortion, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.
Boss Sorianiello chose not to appeal the first-instance ruling, making his 20-year sentence final. This remains the heaviest sentence in the long list of sentences handed down to the gang's underlings, pushers, and operatives.
The September 2024 blitz in the "99"
The target is "99," the block transformed over the years into one of the neighborhood's most profitable and protected drug dealing hubs. The operation, the result of months of wiretaps, stakeouts, and video recordings, led to the execution of 29 precautionary measures issued by the investigating judge at the request of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate.
The charges: mafia-style criminal association, extortion, drug trafficking conspiracy, possession and carrying of weapons, and the ongoing management of a 24-hour drug dealing hub. What emerges is the central role of the Sorianiello clan, refounded – according to investigators – by Alfredo Sorianiello, a.k.a. 'o biondo, supported by his son Simone, who is said to have coordinated shifts, lookouts, storage, and collections.
The raid marks the end of the clan's latest operational season, which once again found itself in the DDA's sights after attempting to regain control of the territory using methods investigators described as "militarized."
Sorianiello Clan: The Convictions
Alfredo Sorianiello, known as 'o biondo – 20 years (waived appeal, final conviction in the first instance).
Joseph Mazzaccaro – 20 years (continuously).
Antonio Ranieri – 16 years old.
Carmine Fenderico – 15 years and 11 months (continuously).
Simone Cimarelli – 14 years and 4 months (continuously).
Silvio DeRosa – 13 years and 4 months (continuously).
Anthony of Naples – 11 years and 6 months (continuously).
Nicholas Caruso – 11 years and 4 months.
Emanuele Bevilacqua – 11 years old.
Paul Sanso – 11 years and 1 month (continuously).
Marco Mosella – 10 years and 6 months (continuously).
Angel Sanso – 10 years (continuously).
Francesco De Pasquale – 10 years old.
Alfonso Sorrentino – 10 years and 8 months.
Gennaro Volpe – 9 years and 10 months.
Pasquale Forte – 9 years and 8 months.
Antonio Marra – 7 years and 1 month.
Gabriele D'Ambrosi – 7 years old.
(in the photo above from left Alfredo Sorianiello, Giuseppe Mazzaccaro, Antonio Ranieri, Carmine Fenderico and Paolo Sansò: bottom, always from left, Simone Cimarelli, Silvio De Rosa, Emanuele Bevilacqua, Antonio Marra and Angelo Sansò)
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